John Sullivan (file photo). Tom O’Hanlon/INPHO

Athlone Town manager John Sullivan departs one league game into title defence

Shock news from back to back Women’s Premier Division champions.

LAST UPDATE | 41 mins ago

JOHN SULLIVAN HAS departed as Athlone Town manager — just one game into the 2026 League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division season.

Athlone announced the news – as reported by The 42 – in a short statement this evening.

“Athlone Town AFC can confirm that John Sullivan has tendered his resignation as our Women’s First Team Manager,” it reads. “We would like to thank John for his efforts with the club, both with our Men’s and Women’s teams.

“Our focus remains solely on preparing the team for their upcoming League fixture against DLR Waves this coming Saturday. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Sullivan’s exit comes days after their historic three in a row bid began with a 1-1 draw away to Sligo Rovers.

The former League of Ireland player took interim charge last September as Colin Fortune stepped down. He had previously worked with the men’s first-team.

Sullivan led the Midlanders through the closing stages of their first-ever league and FAI Cup double, and in their Europa Cup defeats to Glasgow City.

The Dubliner was then appointed on a permanent basis in October, when he signed a new two-year contract with the club.

But having been at the helm for 2026 President’s Cup success, he departs just one league game into the new season, with the champions now on the hunt for their third new manager in a year. 

- First published 7.45pm, updated at 8.35pm with Athlone Town statement

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